Defense Minister: Given current threats, air defense continues to hold special place in priorities for strengthening defense capabilities

Exclusive interview given to MOLDPRES State News Agency by Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatîi

MOLDPRES: Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, please highlight the most important achievements for 2024.

Anatolie Nosatîi: Despite the challenges we faced, 2024 was a year full of achievements and progress, including for the country's defense sector. In this regard, I would start from the priorities I have set since the beginning of my mandate as minister. I am referring to the key objective of building a modern army, capable of fulfilling its constitutional missions and ensuring peace and stability for citizens. In the current security context, this has become even more important. Therefore, in 2024, we have focused  on strengthening defense capabilities and increasing the readiness of the National Army personnel to fulfill the main mission—defending the state. To this end, we have carried out numerous exercises and trainings both in the country and abroad, with soldiers from Romania, the USA, the United Kingdom and others.

Some military infrastructure modernization and renovation projects and equipping the National Army, initiated previously have been completed, while others are under implementation, meaning we still have work to do.

During 2024, we recorded several progress in terms of equipment, and I will come, in this regard, with some relevant examples. On a bilateral level, the National Army received equipment for field training from the French Republic. The Federal Republic of Germany provided us with state-of-the-art medical equipment, the USA delivered non-lethal defense equipment, and Lithuania offered thermal optical devices. Additionally, through the EU's assistance platform European Peace Facility, engineering and medical subdivisions received specialized equipment and technology, including ambulances, robots and medical tents. The North Atlantic Alliance also contributed to strengthening the National Army's medical capabilities through the enhanced DCBI assistance package. The list could go on.

A modern army means also an army interoperable with partners and resilient to current challenges. We have improved our capabilities in this field as well, including thanks to the expertise of external partners. Moreover, we expanded collaboration with other states, including Norway, Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands, by signing bilateral documents of intent.

Thanks to the support of national authorities and our partners, we increased Moldova's contribution to maintaining international peace and stability with two new missions under the EU's aegis—EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUTM training operation in Somalia. Through these actions, we demonstrate we are credible and interoperable partners, including in relation to the European Union.

A special achievement on completion of military education with a necessary educational level constitutes the establishment of the Military College within Alexandru cel Bun Military Academy.

2024 was also the year in which we managed to obtain more social guarantees for the institution's employees and improved service conditions by repairing and renovating 21 military infrastructure facilities.

These achievements complement the multitude of positive changes in the situation within the National Army, making us more resilient to threats and helping us maintain a safe and stable environment for the country and citizens.

MOLDPRES: We would like to know the priorities for the next year.

Anatolie Nosatîi: All our actions are to protect peace in the Republic of Moldova. It was so in 2024 and will be so in 2025. Therefore, this year, we will continue what we have set out to do—strengthening our capabilities so that the army is modern, equipped to international standards, capable of protecting citizens from potential crises or dangers. Furthermore, this is also one of the objectives stipulated in the National Defense Strategy, recently approved by the Parliament, which, in tandem with other measures undertaken, represents a concrete step towards a safer and peaceful future for our citizens.

MOLDPRES: Last year, the defense budget was increased, and the National Army benefited from more equipment received from foreign partners. What are the ministry's needs and requests for this year?

Anatolie Nosatîi: Recent attacks on democracy, our development path, and attempts at external influence on peace and stability in the Republic of Moldova have shown how necessary increased attention is to strengthening the country's defense sector and improving national resilience. Accordingly, the resources allocated for defense and the support we received from external partners were directed in 2024 towards achieving this important objective. This year, we will focus on continuing the modernization process of the National Army—in all aspects—in accordance with the priorities set out in national and sectoral policy documents.

MOLDPRES: Have the defense systems donated by partners been fully implemented, and why can't small drones be detected?

Anatolie Nosatîi: All purchased or donated equipment comes with training for personnel on use and maintenance. Therefore, once received, they are put into service as intended.

Given the current threats, air defense continues to hold a special place in our priority list for strengthening defense capabilities.

The war in the neighboring country brings several threats and risks, including unauthorized overflights of Moldova's airspace.

The evolution of the war in Ukraine has contributed to the increased use of drones as one of the key elements of military actions. The way they are used, as well as their low-altitude flight, reduces the possibility of detecting them. Therefore, given the technical-tactical characteristics of drones, there is a need to acquire equipment that would allow identifying the aircraft, which endanger not only the country's security but also the citizens' safety.

Nevertheless, strengthening defense capabilities does not happen overnight. It is a complex process that requires time and resources. We will continue to make all efforts to ensure the security of Moldova's airspace, despite intensive disinformation and ongoing attempts to discredit the authorities' efforts to protect their citizens.

MOLDPRES: Recently, several military exercises were carried out, and reservists were called for training. What is the training plan for the coming years, and what collaborations are planned with external partners?

Anatolie Nosatîi: A strong army is also an army with trained personnel, including in accordance with international standards. For this reason, throughout 2024, we conducted several exercises—some for the first time, others 'older,' such as Fire Shield, JCET or Peace Shield, dating back to the 2000s. Our collaboration with other armies does not stop here. The bilateral documents of intent signed this year with several states are a confirmation of our prospects for dialogue and mutual understanding. We will continue training activities and other modernization projects, so we can soon enjoy an army that citizens trust.

During 2024, preparing the reserve was also on our priority list, in accordance with the legislation in force, as a component of the Armed Forces. Thus, at the national level, we conducted a series of exercises with reservists of the Armed Forces, which, although initially generated a multitude of speculation and manipulation in the informational space, gradually came to be viewed by the public as normal and necessary. Moreover, from discussions I have had with several reservists, such training represents not only a unique experience but also an effective means of socializing. In 2025, we will organize other exercises to train reservists in all specialties, according to needs. To this end, we rely on the responsibility and understanding of citizens.

MOLDPRES: Thank you for the interview.

Author: Alina Zara